Writing Classes at Wiawaka 2026
Writing Workshop with Bernice Mennis
July 8th, 2026
1:00pm – 4:00 pm
$20 for the writing class
$30 for the class and day pass
The poet William Stafford said that following the threads of our own mind would lead us to the holyland. The definition of “holyland” is open and wide, deep and unknown. In this workshop we will follow our pen and heart to discover where we are led.
Bernice has lived in the Adirondack woodlands for over 42 years, the bounty and beauty of nature continually nourishing her with its bounty, diversity and beauty. Bernice Mennis taught literature and writing at Vermont’s Adult Degree Program and at Great Meadows prison. She wrote Breaking Out of Prison:a guide to consciousness,compassion and freedom, about her experience at Great Meadows and the rich writing of the men she taught, and Holding it All, a book of poetry exploring the challenge of holding what is complex and layered in our lives.
Restorative One-Day Reading Retreat with Stephanie Affinito
July 10th, 2026
9:00am-7:00pm lunch break from 12-1pm and dinner from 6:00pm-7:00pm (lunch and dinner included in price)
$110
Stephanie is a book-loving, notebook-hoarding literacy teacher educator at The University at Albany on a mission to change lives one book and one notebook at a time. She blogs about the power of leading literate lives at www.alitlife.com and podcasts weekly on books and reading, writing and notebooks and everything in between on Get Lit(erate). She also chats with a new children’s literature author every week on her KidLit Love podcast, too. You can find her online at www.alitlife.com and on most social platforms using @AffinitoLit.
This isn't your average reading retreat. It's a RESTORATIVE reading retreat where we take care of your reading habits, hearts and communities so your reading life doesn't only feel better at the end of the day, your actual life does, too. Here's how it works: Before the retreat, you’ll complete a quick survey sharing your reading preferences and goals. I'll work my bookish magic and choose the perfect book for you to sink into during the retreat.
The day will be spent in luxurious stretches of reading alternating with spaces for connection, discussion and of course, bookish fun. There's even an adult 'book fair' where you can browse books from the local independent bookstore: The Book Cabin of Lake George!
We’ll share two meals together and end with celebrations from the day and ways to connect beyond the retreat. Join Us!
Writing to Heal: Expressive Writing to Reduce Chronic Pain
MindBody research shows us that many physical symptoms, such as chronic pain, are often the result of a dysregulated nervous system and journaling tools, such as expressive writing, can help lessen that dysregulation and support healing. In this session, we'll explore the research and start a healing journey of writing together.
Get That Book Finished!
July 20th, 2026
10:00am – 3:00 pm lunch break 12-1pm
$55 for the whole day workshop and lunch
Whether it's poetry, memoir, fiction, or biography, spend a day with thrice-published local author Nanci Vineyard, gaining insight into effective goal-setting and structuring for your writing. Self-publishing and traditional publishing will be discussed, as well as the benefits of writing for onself and family.
Taught by Nanci Vineyard, SUNY Adirondack teacher and author of "The Boomerang House", "Slider University", and "The Adirondack Turkey Referee", whose fervent belief is that everyone has a story to tell, this one day workshop will focus on participatory exercises and group support. Bring your laptop or old-fashioned pen and paper, your ideas and experience. Time will be allowed to enjoy lunches at the lakeside outdoor seating, weather permitted.
Writing Workshop with Liza Frenette
August 21st, 2025
10:00am – 4:00 pm
$55 for the class and lunch
Have you had enough screen time? Come write by hand in journals or notebooks; come discover stories within as you take a day for yourself to sit in a rustic building on the lake and write.
Writing instructor Liza Frenette, an author, journalist, poet and essayist, will lead writing sessions using word prompts and positive response. This isn’t a “how-to” workshop – it is a “go within” workshop. There is no need to have a work in progress; all material generated will be new.
We will be listening to poems and short pieces, and then doing spontaneous writing based on prompts, followed by positive recall. Optional shared reading will take place at the end of the day.
We will be writing on small, silly, and serious topics ranging from nature, witnessing, a labyrinth walk, what’s in a name, life in a pandemic, or persona reflection.
It is about being present, noticing life, and finding your voice, whether that be for yourself, for stories to pass on to family, or for publication. The workshop will open pathways to that voice. The day will include time outside to walk the labyrinth or sit along the lake and write, as well as time for lunch.
Writing Workshop with Bernice Mennis
August 24th, 2026
1:00pm – 4:00 pm
$20 for the writing class
$30 for the class and day pass
The poet William Stafford said that following the threads of our own mind would lead us to the holyland. The definition of “holyland” is open and wide, deep and unknown. In this workshop we will follow our pen and heart to discover where we are led.
Bernice has lived in the Adirondack woodlands for over 42 years, the bounty and beauty of nature continually nourishing her with its bounty, diversity and beauty. Bernice Mennis taught literature and writing at Vermont’s Adult Degree Program and at Great Meadows prison. She wrote Breaking Out of Prison:a guide to consciousness,compassion and freedom, about her experience at Great Meadows and the rich writing of the men she taught, and Holding it All, a book of poetry exploring the challenge of holding what is complex and layered in our lives.
Poetry for Your Nature Journal
August 27th, 2026
10:00am – 3:00 pm
Instructor: Starr Regan DiCiurcio
$45 for the class with lunch included
Nature journals traditionally include images, numbers, and words. Words may include subjective descriptions, scientific data, lists, and so much more, including poetry. Come and spend a day in the inspiring setting of Wiawaka. We will enjoy the poetry of nature lovers across cultures and time. Then we will explore creating our own poems. No experience with nature journaling or poetry is needed. Please bring your journals and any art supplies you may wish to use.
Starr is an interfaith minister, writer, and fervent nature journaler. She facilitates a regional group of nature journalers on Zoom and in person. Nature journaling is an effective way to deepen one’s connection to Mother Earth while cultivating inner peace and joy.
As an interfaith minister, she offers retreats, meditation classes, and spiritual direction.